Writer’s Desk with Sheri Rose Shepherd
You are in for a treat this week! Today we’re featuring Sheri Rose Shepherd here on Writer’s Desk. Friday, you’ll get to listen to Sheri and my conversation on Walk it Out with Tricia Goyer on how our invisible God can become most visible when he is our only hope. Then tune in next week for a LIVE conversation with Sheri on Facebook! It’s going to be so much fun. But first, let me introduce you to Sheri.
For the past 30 years, Sheri has been in full-time ministry as a best-selling author, speaker to tens of thousands each year, and the founder of His Princess Ministries. Her latest book is Beyond the White Picket Fence: What to do When Your Life is Dismantled.
Be sure to stick around until the end of the post for more about Beyond the White Picket Fence plus a chance to win a copy!
Q&A with Sheri Rose Shepherd
Do you have a writing routine? When/Where do you write?
I write in my car parked at the beach looking at the ocean so I can stay totally focused. Like any woman, if I’m at home I’ll get distracted with the many things I think I have to do and then my writing doesn’t work in a flow and focus.
When are you most productive?
I am 100% when I’ve had a really good quiet time with the Lord and a great walk with my praise music. I feel the most inspired and productive following those. And of course, a good night’s sleep and a healthy diet—especially while I’m fighting cancer.
What do you snack on or drink while writing?
That’s a funny question because my friends tease me about this. I always have three drinks going when I’m writing. A warm drink, a protein drink, and a big bottle of water.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I definitely get writers’ block. For me, it may be more than most writers because I have dyslexia, and I speak all of my books. So, as I said in the above question when I am prayed up and I believe that God is speaking to me, I speak the books.
What is your outlining process?
I write like people build a puzzle. I have to get all the corner pieces in the outside before I fill in the inside. So, I have to put together a chapter outline first. I need to know where I’m going from the beginning to the end before I start filling in the pages of each chapter.
When/Where do you get your best ideas?
I get all of my book ideas when I’m at a speaking event in a book line. Because when I see a need, my heart is broken for the woman or a young girl who is in front of me. Somehow God always puts it on my heart to write a book to bring practical and powerful scriptural inspiration and to teach how to act of faith.
Best advice for someone who is just starting out.
I feel the two keys for anybody to write a book is they need to be broken for what they’re writing for, and passionate about what they’re writing about. They have to have a deep conviction that it’s something that people need and that the book will meet that need. I also would start a blog if I were a brand-new writer and test out concepts to see the response before I write a book.
What is the last thing you binge-watched:
Okay, don’t laugh at me; but, I love the Jetsons and the Flintstones and I Love Lucy. I am almost 60, and I feel like I’d like to vacation from my problems when I watch any TV, which I rarely watch. My TV is never on unless I’m purposely trying to watch something really refreshing that kind of removes me from reality, refreshes me, and makes me laugh.
Favorite book(s):
Well honestly because I’m dyslexic I don’t read! I always joke around that I’m the best-selling author that has written more books than I’ve ever read. I do have the Bible on audio, and I listen to it every morning on a wonderful app. And my favorite thing is when one of my friends will read to me from books they enjoy. Even when I’m writing a book, I have my friends come over and read to me what I wrote so I can hear it in order to be able to edit it with them.
What books are currently on your nightstand:
I have a beautiful large print Bible on my nightstand and my large iPad that helps me see what I’m reading because it’s a reversed out black background with big white letters. I was blessed to learn that from the writing coach that works with dyslexics.
Favorite song right now:
There’s a super fun song out right now that’s kind of country Christian. It’s called “I need a Holy Ghost.” My grandkids and I love this song and they love dancing for Jesus to the song.
Favorite thing to order at Starbucks (or wherever you get your coffee/tea fix!):
I’m not much of a coffee drinker but I make really good healthy bone broth, protein powder, caramel-flavored latte with coconut milk at home. That’s definitely my favorite. I found a healthy way to enjoy it, especially when I am fighting cancer. I try not to do a lot of coffee, but I love going to Starbucks because I love their cups of ice. So, I’ll always go in there and order a large cup of ice…something about their ice is magical to me, and just going into Starbucks makes me feel at home.
Enter to win a copy of Beyond the White Picket Fence from Sheri*
Don’t miss the video interview with Sheri HERE on Tuesday, March 16th at 7:30 PM CT, and you can catch my podcast interview with Sheri on Friday!
More about Beyond the White Picket Fence:
Has Your Life Just Been Turned Upside Down?
You shouldn’t have to go through a devastating crisis alone. You need a friend to come alongside you to help you heal and find hope again. Sheri Rose Shepherd, author of the bestselling His Princess series (more than a million copies sold), knows exactly what it’s like to have your life torn apart and your dreams shattered.
Beyond the White Picket Fence is a lesson-filled love letter to anyone trapped in a pit of pain. Whether you are going through divorce, betrayal, abandonment, or disease, there is a way to come through it to find an even better, stronger you.
God will not waste pain, and His promises will prove true when you’re on the other side of this season. This book will help you gain an eternal perspective and provide you with everyday survival skills to work with until you are thriving again.
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